Whalsay and Spurs keep pressure on hockey league leaders Delting

Whalsay and Spurs both had two impressive victories in senior hockey’s Association Rosebowl competition to keep the pressure on league leaders Delting.

Association Rosebowl

Zetland 0, Juniors 4

Zetland knew they had to put the pressure on early, with just eight players, and did so with some quick passing around the midfield and using the full width of the pitch.

Stacey Gardener took an early opportunity to fire the ball toward goal from the top of the D, but the strong, well organised defender Rhiannon Inkster broke down the Zetland attack and cleared the ball wide to Sarah Groat.

The game continued from end to end but scrappy play in the Zetland goalmouth led to a goal for Juniors scored by Hannah Hunter.

Zetland came into the second half determined to score and made some promising runs and played fast balls into the circle, resulting in several short corners. The Juniors defence worked well together and managed to prevent Zetland from equalising. Kara Thomson, Stacey Gardener and Erica Leask worked well together and made some promising shots on target but were unable to make the equaliser.

Strong link-up play from Ava Sim and Margaret Johnston resulted in a long ball to Debbie Sneddon who stormed down the right wing and found herself one on one with the Zetland goalie. She nicely chipped the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

Zetland began to show they were feeling the pressure with just eight players and were struggling to keep up with the fast, accurate passing from the Juniors. Hannah Hunter got the third and Debbie Sneddon make the final score 4-0. The game had to be stopped with 10 minutes left after a Zetland player was injured.

Players of the match were captain Helen Robertson for Zetland and Debbie Sneddon for Juniors.

Whalsay 6, Zetland 0 Whalsay dominated the early stages with Angelina Jamieson unlucky to see a well-struck shot rebound of the goal post.

Zetland withstood the early pressure, however, with Helen Robertson orchestrating things well in midfield and Stacy Gardener keeping the Whalsay defence busy with her quick runs and skilful control up front. At the end of the first half both teams had failed to break the deadlock.

Whalsay started the second half with renewed vigour and pushed forward as a unit as soon as the whistle had gone. Abby Irvine, showing great composure up front, sent a great ball through to Angelina Jamieson who made no mistake from close range.

That buoyed the isles team and it wasn’t long before a second goal followed in similar fashion, although the ball came in from the left hand side of the park. Dianne Shearer, pushing forward, linked well with Victoria Duthie and Angelina Jamieson to penetrate the Zetland defence.

Zetland seemed a bit deflated after losing two goals in quick succession and Angelina Jamieson capitalised again five minutes later with a well-worked strike to secure her hat trick. She then added another on the 20 minute mark to put the game beyond Zetland.

Zetland continued to work hard and Hannah Irvine was unlucky to see her shot go wide after good build-up from midfield between Helen Robertson and Ailsa Sinclair.

Whalsay had the bit between their teeth, however, and Victoria Duthie found space on the left to sweep in a strong shot from a tight angle which eluded Debi Kane in goal. Two minutes later Whalsay pushed forward again and Vicky Irvine got a well-deserved goal to complete the scoring.

Spurs 4, Burra 1 Burra took control of the game, taking advantage of Spurs only fielding 10 players. They failed to capitalise on their attacks, however, as Spurs rallied, keen not to suffer another defeat.

Spurs began to settle and played a good passing, possession game. Their hard work was awarded when Sarah Grogan scored after 15 minutes, from a well-worked set piece up the left.

That gave Spurs confidence and they continued to press for more goals. Their patience paid off when a solo run by Grogan out of her half resulted in another goal 20 minutes into the half.

Burra tried to reorganise and pressed ahead. They made some telling runs at the Spurs defence but Josie Jamieson saw her strike ping off the near post just before half time.

The second half started with Burra looking for an early goal. They were determined to level the score but the Spurs back three of Gray, Simpson and Moar dug deep to thwart the Burra attacks. Good link-up play down Spurs right between Fox and Johnson increased pressure on the Burra defence.

A clever switch in play resulted in a lovely strike by Kristen Jeromson 12 minutes into the half. Burra looked on in disbelief, but Laurenson and Robertson rallied their team, and again they ran at Spurs.

A clumsy tackle on Robertson saw the umpire softly award a penalty stroke. Smith, in goal for Spurs, looked cool, and she covered her post, as Laurenson pushed the ball wide.

Spurs continued to support one another up and down the pitch which resulted in another penalty corner. This time it was Emma Inkster who slotted the ball away from the edge of the circle.

Burra, not to be outplayed, won a penalty corner of their own which was first timed by Laurenson into the back of the Spurs net for a consolation goal.

Players of the match were Rona Simpson for Spurs and young Laura Adamson for Burra.

Whalsay continued to work well in the attacking circle and Eileen Sandison made it 2-0.

Juniors came back fighting in the second half and Bethany Laurenson worked hard to break through the Whalsay defence but was unlucky not to score. Whalsay continued as they did in the first half with Abby Irvine and Vicky Irvine working well in the Juniors circle.

The Juniors defence worked hard clearing some great strikes from Whalsay but Caroline Shearer got her second goal of the night to bring the final score to 3-0.

Players of the match were Debbie Sneddon for Juniors and Natalie Polson for Whalsay.

Zetland 0, Spurs 6 Spurs pressurised the Zetland defence early on which resulted in Sarah Grogan putting away a rebound off the goalie’s pads after just seven minutes. Zetland made some good runs and Alison Bain and Stacey Gardener played well through the middle, winning a short corner.

Play was end to end with Erica Leask featuring down the Zetland wing and Lisa Johnston for Zetland making some good interceptions in defence.

Morag Fox and Gayle Johnson were effective down the Spurs right side and continued to pressurise the Zetland circle. Debi Kane made many fine saves but Grogan got her hat trick before half time with some inspired finishing.

Zetland were determined to get back into the game but Spurs continued to push for more goals. Kirsten Jarmson got her first goal following an excellent run up the wing and Fiona Shearer worked a great ball through to Grogan who scored again from close range.

Jarmson got her second of the night when the ball switched quickly and she outpaced her marker.

Zetland had a few half chances later in the game but just couldn’t penetrate the Spurs midfield.

Best for Zetland was Helen Robertson for her tireless work rate and for Spurs Sarah Grogan for her outstanding finishing.